1 Communities in Nebraska

Many 55+ homebuyers may not consider an active lifestyle community in Nebraska when looking for a destination for retirement. However, the state of Nebraska has been ranked sixth highest in the overall well-being index by a Gallup survey. Residents of 55+ communities in Nebraska live among friendly neighbors and enjoy an overall lower cost of living than the national average.

Active adult communities in Nebraska enjoy outdoor attractions and recreational activities. Also, its larger cities like Omaha and Lincoln are near large universities, entertainment opportunities, medical centers, and cultural charm.

Climate & Geography

The climate of age-restricted communities in Nebraska varies by location and humidity decreases from east to west. Eastern Nebraska has a humid continental climate and Western Nebraska has a semi-arid climate. Generally, the state as a whole experiences hot summers and cold winters. Active adults in Nebraska must take into consideration that the state sees about 25 to 35 inches of snowfall annually. Also, Nebraska lies within Tornado Alley, meaning strong thunderstorms and tornado sightings are very common during the spring and summer.

In terms of geography, South Dakota is located at the northern border, Iowa to the east, Missouri to the southeast, Kansas to the south, Colorado to the southwest, and Wyoming to the west. Nebraska is divided into 93 counties and two time zones: Central Time in the east and Mountain Time in the west. Much of its largest cities, like Omaha and Lincoln, have a terrain of gently rolling hills.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment

Active adult communities near Omaha, Nebraska are located near many sports teams as well as newer sporting venues. Omaha has been home to the College World Series since 1950 and the Cox Classic golf tournament since 1996. Retirees of 55+ neighborhoods in Nebraska can cheer on the many NCAA sports teams of Creighton University and the University of Nebraska Omaha.

Omaha is also home to the largest community theater in the nation, the Omaha Community Playhouse. More cultural attractions in Omaha can be visited at the Holland Performing Arts Center, Orpheum Theater, Blue Barn Theatre, and The Rose Theatre. Active lifestyle neighborhoods in Nebraska also enjoy annual festivals that celebrate music like the annual Omaha Blues, Jazz & Gospel Festival. Whether browsing the historic district in Downtown Omaha known as the Old Market or taking grandchildren to visit the Henry Doorly Zoo, Omaha offers plenty of things to do and see while living in an active lifestyle community in Nebraska.

Age-restricted neighborhoods near Lincoln, NE are situated within the states second-largest city. Lincoln, the state capitol, is home to many historical attractions and sites of interests. The capitol building is home to plenty of learning opportunities as well as the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia Museum, Frank H. Woods Telephone Museum, Lincoln Children s Museum, Museum of American Speed, and Museum of Nebraska History. The Nebraska Cornhuskers of the University of Nebraska Lincoln hosts 22 teams in the NCAA Division I league.

Parks and recreation of Nebraska are abundant across the state. There are hundreds of lakes and streams that provide great fishing options. This includes the 662-acre Lake Wanahoo and trout fishing at Verdigre Creek and the North Platte River Valley. Bird watching is a popular activity during May and April and plenty of hunting opportunities are abound throughout the wetlands, prairies, and sand hills.

Cost of Living & Taxes

The lower cost of living is a large benefit of purchasing real estate in Nebraska. Active adult communities located in Nebraska have an overall lower cost of living index below the national average. Items like groceries, healthcare, housing, utilities, and transportation all rank lower than the U.S. average.

In terms of taxation, Nebraska has a progressive income tax where the tax rate increases as the taxable base amount increases. Income from $0 to $2,400 is collected at 2.56%, $2,400 to $17,500 at 3.57%, $17,500 to $27,000 at 5.12%, and anything over $27,00 is collected at 6.84%. The state sales tax in Nebraska is collected at a rate of 5.5%.

Healthcare

Active retirement neighborhoods in Nebraska have access to over 100 hospitals and medical centers throughout the state. Of which, two have been nationally ranked and seven have been recognized for a strong performance in specific specialties. Both nationally ranked hospitals, Nebraska Medical Center and Methodist Hospital, are located in Omaha. When looking at homes for sale in a Nebraska active adult community one should consider the cities of Lincoln and Kearney as well because many high-performing hospitals are located in the area.